CalArts Pays Tribute to Late Jazz Legend Charlie Haden

On Oct. 17, CalArts pays tribute Charlie Haden, founder of the Jazz Studies Program and educator and mentor of more than 32 years at The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts. The legendary jazz bassist, composer, producer and bandleader passed away last year, and former students, family and friends honor his memory with a program at the Wild Beast.

From the press release:

Haden mentored hundreds of musicians during his tenure at CalArts. This tribute reflects aspects of his rich and varied life—as one of the most important bassists in the history of jazz; a brilliant bandleader, producer and composer; an inspiring teacher and mentor; and a supportive husband and father of a phenomenally talented musical family. His legacy continues through the innumerable artists he inspired—many of whom have gone on to become acclaimed musicians in their own right and who will be performing at the event.

Haden’s wife and collaborator Ruth Cameron Haden hosts the evening’s program, which begins with duos and trios performing Haden’s compositions. The lineup includes esteemed musicians such as Ernie Watts from Haden’s band Quartet West and a selection of faculty and former students, including Ravi Coltrane (Music 90) and Peter Epstein (Music BFA 92) on saxophone; Ralph Alessi (Music BFA 87, MFA 90) on trumpet; Michael Cain (Music MFA 90) and David Roitstein (faculty 1983-present) on piano; Darek Oles (Music BFA 91, faculty 1994-present) and Nedra Wheeler (Music BFA 87, MFA 89) on bass; and Willie Jones (Music 93) and Joe LaBarbera (faculty 1994-present) on drums.

The second set features Haden’s daughters Petra (Music 93), Tanya (Film/Video BFA 98) and Rachel Haden of The Haden Triplets, who perform country and traditional songs.

The CalArts Liberation Music Orchestra, formed as an homage to Haden’s groundbreaking Liberation Music Orchestra, play the protest songs “Silence” and “Not In Our Name” during the third set. The evening ends with a special performance of “We Shall Overcome,” during which all of Haden’s students from the past 32 years are invited to play with the orchestra.

The concert is free and open to the public.